Question : COMMITTEE OF EXPERTS FOR HANDLOOM INDUSTRY

(a) whether the Government is considering to set up a committee of experts to frame a policy/guidelines on unorganised sectors especially for handlooms and handicrafts industry in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) if not, the reasons therefore;

(d) the number of handloom and handicraft units which have become sick and have been closed during the last three years, statewise;

(e) the number of workers affected; and

(f) the steps taken by the Government to rehabilitate the aforesaid workers.

MINISTER OF TEXTILES ( SHRI SHANKERSINH VAGHELA )

(a) The Government of India has set up National Commission on Enterprises in the Unorganized / Informal sector.

(b) The Commission has been set up with a full time Chairman, two full time members, two part time members and a member secretary. There will also be an 11 member advisory Board. The Commission will inter- alia, review the status of unorganized sector, identify constraints faced by these enterprises, suggest the legal and policy environment for growth, employment, exports and promotion, etc. The term of the Commission is for a period of one year.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The handlooms and handicrafts are decentralized/ and dispersed sector and many of the weavers or artisans are based in household manufacturing. No sickness and closure of units have been reported.

(e) &(f) Does not arise.